Sen. Mark Pody

Maddy summarySJR 303 is a commemorative resolution honoring Jim Hysen, a Middle Tennessee land developer with 35 years of experience in real estate development and sustainable community planning. The resolution recognizes his leadership as president of the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee and his contributions to balancing growth with environmental stewardship. It was passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on April 10, 2025. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals.

Maddy summarySJR 333 is a ceremonial resolution commending Lonnie Spivak for his community service and professional contributions in Nashville. It recognizes his work as a marketing professional, former political candidate, Davidson County Republican Party Chairman, and volunteer with nonprofits, without creating any legal obligations or policy changes. The resolution was approved by both chambers and signed by the governor, formally honoring his decades of civic engagement. This type of resolution does not affect any laws or directly impact constituents.

Maddy summarySJR 304 is a commemorative resolution honoring Richard Clark for 20 years of law enforcement service across three Tennessee agencies (Lebanon Police Department, Metro Nashville Airport Department, and Greenbrier Police Department). It formally commends him for his dedication, including awards like Employee of the Month and life-saving actions, and extends best wishes for his future. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a symbolic tribute to Clark’s public service. This procedural bill was enacted after approval by both chambers and the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 734 extends Davidson County's authority to collect an additional $0.50 hotel occupancy tax (for tourism promotion) and the terms of the oversight committee managing the fund, both by six years until May 21, 2026. This bill directly affects Davidson County (encompassing Nashville) and its tourism marketing efforts, as the tax revenue must be used for direct tourism promotion. The key change modifies Tennessee law to reset the expiration date from 2020 to 2026 for both the tax period and committee terms. The bill became law on April 3, 2025, continuing an existing program without altering the tax rate or revenue allocation rules.

Maddy summarySB 152 allows patients with severe chronic diseases or terminal illnesses to access investigational stem cell treatments (adult stem cell therapies still in clinical trials and not yet FDA-approved) after their doctors confirm other FDA-approved treatments aren't viable. It requires Tennessee’s health commissioner to create rules listing qualifying medical conditions and mandates doctors to document that all standard treatments were considered before recommending these experimental therapies. The bill also protects physicians from license penalties for following these guidelines and prohibits government interference with patient access. This directly affects patients with qualifying conditions and their treating physicians in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySJR 3 is a Senate Joint Resolution defining antisemitism and urging state agencies to use this definition when assessing discrimination under Tennessee law. It provides 11 specific examples of antisemitism, including denying the Holocaust, accusing Jews of controlling institutions, or comparing Israeli policy to Nazi actions. The resolution encourages state departments, district attorneys (to seek enhanced sentences for antisemitism-motivated crimes), and schools to consider this definition when evaluating discrimination claims based on religion or national origin. It does not create new laws but serves as a policy statement for state entities. This resolution applies directly to Tennessee state government agencies, schools, and law enforcement.

Maddy summarySB 731 requires local governments to provide all requested changes to developer applications for site plans or inspections in a single document, rather than multiple rounds of revisions. It also prohibits local governments from demanding that developers fund infrastructure like roads, utility lines, or traffic signals unless explicitly agreed upon in the original contract. This bill directly affects developers (who face fewer unexpected costs) and local governments (which must follow clearer submission rules). The key provisions aim to reduce delays and prevent developers from being asked to pay for infrastructure not essential to their specific project.

Maddy summarySB 1058 changes Tennessee's animal health laws by requiring the state agriculture commissioner and veterinarian to get prior approval from a joint legislative committee before ordering animal vaccinations or tests. It removes a rule that made livestock owners responsible for properly disposing of dead animals and updates how compensation is calculated for animals destroyed due to disease. The bill directly affects livestock farmers, veterinarians, and state agriculture officials by altering emergency response procedures and financial responsibilities. These changes aim to clarify state authority over animal health measures while shifting liability and compensation processes.

Maddy summarySJR 158 is a ceremonial resolution honoring B.J. Keener, Executive Director of Donelson-Hermitage Family YMCA, for her decade of service and community leadership. It formally commends her work managing the YMCA branch, supporting wellness programs, and volunteering with local organizations like the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce. This resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition approved by both legislative chambers and the Governor.

Maddy summarySJR 35 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Dr. Christopher E. Townson upon his retirement as CEO of DeKalb Telephone Cooperative (DTC). It recognizes his 8+ years of leadership in revitalizing DTC's finances, expanding its infrastructure (including fiber optic deployment), and his broader career in telecommunications, including founding broadband companies. The resolution, passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor, formally extends "heartfelt wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement" to Dr. Townson. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.